Magicians, friends to offer personal, modern experience

Jul. 16, 2013

Rick Smith Jr. / Submitted Photo

Written by

Francesca Sacco

The Eagle-Gazette Staff

Drew Murray / Submitted Photo

Magic Show

The community can see the Magic of Drew Murray and Rick Smith Jr. at 10:30 a.m. July 22 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 343 E. Walnut St., and at 1:30 p.m. July 22 at the River Valley Mall, 1635 River Valley Circle. The shows are free.

More

ADVERTISEMENT

Drew Murray and Rick Smith Jr. aren’t your average magicians. Although the audience might expect endless simple tricks, Murray said he’s more into providing a modern magic experience.

“We’re not going to pull rabbits out of hats,” said Murray. “What sets me apart ... I call it modern magic.”

During their jam-packed, 45-minute July 22 shows, Murray and Smith Jr. said the audience can expect to see fellow audience members disappear.

“You can expect to see a lot of audience participation,” said Murray, 21. “We get people on stage. Borrow objects. We make it personal.”

Murray said he and Smith have a Harry Houdini trick planned for their finale.

Murray said many people are surprised to see two magicians performing together.

“They don’t expect it,” he said.

Smith said he and Murray have a rhythm while performing.

“It’s very easy for the both of us,” Smith said. “We know what is going on.”

The pair have performed together in the past. Smith said the pair first worked together when Murray was 10 and when he was 21.

“He opened up for me,” said Smith , 32. “We’re friends outside of the magic shows.”

Murray said he was with Smith when they received calls about performing at the Lancaster Festival.

“We quickly realized we were talking to the same person,” said Murray. “We wanted to (perform)together. We pitched it to them, and they loved.”

Both magicians said they have been fortunate enough to make childhood interests into careers. With the help of family and friends, the Cleveland-area magicians launched successful careers, performing around the country and the world.

Murray said he has performed for numerous universities, Fortune 500 companies and professional sport teams. Smith, best known for holding a record in the Guinness Book of World Records for throwing a playing card the farthest and the fastest, has made appearances on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “Shark Tank,” “America’s Got Talent” and the “Tonight Show.”

This will be the first appearance for Murray and Smith at the Lancaster Festival. The men said they are looking forward to the performance.